The SEC recently slammed FTX and stated that its token FTT was a security. This comes as a major threat for Ripple, as its main issue regarding its lawsuit is just about that. Is XRP a security? Are cryptos considered securities? What are the regulations around this specific topic? Let’s analyze!
FTX's FTT exchange token is a security, says @SECgov in its complaint against Alameda Research's Caroline Ellison and FTX's Gary Wang.@thesamreynolds reportshttps://t.co/26jzOkpoEc
What are Cryptocurrencies exactly?
Cryptocurrencies, also known as digital or virtual currencies, are a form of decentralized, digital currency that uses cryptography for secure financial transactions. They are often created and managed using blockchain technology, which is a decentralized, distributed ledger that records transactions on multiple computers.
The SEC and Cryptos: What’s the problem?
There has been much debate over whether cryptocurrencies should be classified as securities, which are financial instruments that represent an ownership stake in a company or a debt owed by a company. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has the authority to regulate the sale and trade of securities.
The classification of cryptocurrencies as securities is important because it determines the level of regulatory oversight and legal protections that apply to their sale and trade. If cryptocurrencies are classified as securities, they would be subject to the same regulations as traditional securities, such as stocks and bonds.
Are Cryptos considered a Security?
SEC stance on Cryptos
The SEC has issued guidance on the classification of cryptocurrencies as securities. In a statement issued in 2017, the SEC stated that “whether a particular investment transaction involves the offer or sale of a security – regardless of the terminology or technology used – will depend on the facts and circumstances, including the economic realities of the transaction.”
This means that the classification of a cryptocurrency as a security depends on its specific characteristics and the way it is being offered or sold to investors. The SEC has also stated that “some digital assets may be securities, and some may not.”
Other factors to Consider
One factor that the SEC considers in determining whether a cryptocurrency is a security is the “investment of money.” If investors are putting money into a cryptocurrency with the expectation of profit from the efforts of others, such as the developers or promoters of the cryptocurrency, it is more likely to be classified as a security.
Another factor is the presence of a “common enterprise,” which means that the fortunes of the investors are tied to the success or failure of the enterprise. If the value of a cryptocurrency is dependent on the success of the enterprise, it is more likely to be classified as a security.
The SEC has also noted that the “Howey test,” which is a legal precedent established by the Supreme Court in the case SEC v. W.J. Howey Co., can be used to determine whether a cryptocurrency is a security. Under the Howey test, a transaction is an investment contract – and therefore a security – if it involves:
- an investment of money,
- in a common enterprise
- with the expectation of profits
- solely from the efforts of others.
Conclusion
Whether a cryptocurrency is classified as a security or not depends on the specific characteristics and circumstances of the cryptocurrency in question. It is important for investors to carefully consider these factors and to understand the potential risks and regulatory implications of investing in cryptocurrencies. We await the final ruling in the lawsuit between Ripple and the SEC which should resolve in Q1 of 2023.
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